Chapter 294 - Breather (4)

Translator: Dreamscribe

Writer Choi Na-na had actually already finished writing the script for episode 12 of ‘Beneficial Evil’. Therefore, recently she spent her time attending the production meetings for ‘Beneficial Evil’ or checking the updates shared by the ‘Male Friend: Remake’ anime team.

Of course, she also attended meetings requested by various production companies.

No matter what anyone said, Writer Choi Na-na had achieved a big hit with her debut work ‘Male Friend’, and her next work ‘Beneficial Evil’ was also entering production on a enormous scale. Naturally, many production companies were eager to have her.

However.

“Hmm-”

Currently, Writer Choi Na-na, who was watching various combat technique videos on Youtube, had recently shut herself in her studio again. This was because the overseas location for ‘Beneficial Evil’ which had been going back and forth was confirmed, and she needed to add the protagonist’s settings, which she had initially deleted, due to PD Song Man-woo’s suggestion.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Therefore.

“Yeah, this scene is good. I can use it with some adaptation.”

It was confirmed that the script for episodes 1 and 2 of ‘Beneficial Evil’ would also be revised. No, to be precise, it wasn’t exactly a revision but an addition. PD Song Man-woo had hinted that both episodes, which were originally expected to have a runtime of about an hour each, would be extended by about 20 minutes.

While there was no need to overhaul the entire work, it was an addition to make the beginning of ‘Beneficial Evil’ more spectacular.

Thus, Writer Choi Na-na had to stop all minor tasks and refocus on ‘Beneficial Evil’. It wasn’t something she was starting from scratch. It was a setting she had planned to adopt in the early stages of writing the script for ‘Beneficial Evil’. However, it had been dropped after several production meetings.

Now it had resurrected.

In the production of a drama or movie, the word ‘reversal’ is quite common. In other words, there was extensive material available. There were parts she had written that could be used as a storyboard. What Writer Choi Na-na was focusing on now was making what had already been written even more intense and spectacular.

“Wow- the filming is in Bangkok, no less. An overseas location. It can’t be bland.’

Though there were big names like the renowned PD Song Man-woo and the veteran martial arts director, the foundation was still the script written by the writer. Hence, Writer Choi Na-na studied and studied more. Only with a vast amount of material in her head could she freely write scenes.

As she was doing this.

-Swoosh.

She turned her gaze from the video to the memo notebook placed beside her. She reviewed the setting she had written there.

-CQC/Close Quarters Combat Techniques, System

It was a skill to be given to ‘Jang Yeon-woo’, the male lead of ‘Beneficial Evil’.

Sunday, the 27th, late morning. Jinju.

Kang Woojin woke up at his parents’ house. His black hair was disheveled as he lay on the mattress.

“Ugh-”

With a faint groan, Kang Woojin checked the time. It was past 11 AM. It was late morning. How long had it been since he had slept in this late? Kang Woojin stretched long and went out to the living room. Of course, in a comfortable state as if he couldn’t care less about putting on an concept.

The house was quiet.

His parents had already left for work, and his younger sister, Kang Hyun-ah, was also not around.

“Ah- Didn’t Hyun-ah say she was attending some charity event today?”

Woojin mumbled to himself and headed to the kitchen. He saw a covered dish on the dining table. Lifting the cover, he found several side dishes prepared. It must have been set by his parents before they left. Just adding rice and soup would make for a quick breakfast.

Smirking, Kang Woojin sat at the table and started his breakfast. Even as he did so, he checked his phone.

“There’s a lot of messages.”

There were many messages. Texts, messages, DMs. Naturally, these were not addressed to the ordinary Kang Woojin, but to the monstrous actor Kang Woojin.

Then.

“Ah- Is today the last day?”

Confirming the date, Woojin let out a small sigh. Today marked the end of his sweet rest. From tomorrow, he would have to throw himself back into the hell of schedules. Still, he had rested well enough.

‘I’m starting to feel a bit restless anyway.’

Today, Woojin felt like leisurely reviewing some additional scripts for ‘Beneficial Evil’. For reference, the scripts for episodes 8 through 12 of ‘Beneficial Evil’ were delivered around the time Woojin returned to Korea from Japan. Naturally, he had already finished reading the scripts and had completed the reading (experience) as well.

However, the analysis was still in progress.

Because the current Kang Woojin was different from the past. He had to think about many things, from ‘role synthesis’ to the ‘freedom of the role’. More importantly, this project had the most action scenes compared to his previous works, which made it even more necessary.

Later.

-Swoosh.

Woojin, having finished his meal, threw himself onto the living room sofa and started checking the recent issues, which had become part of his daily routine. Reading a few articles, it seemed that more banners and billboards related to Kang Woojin had sprung up in Jinju city. Woojin let out an embarrassed sigh.

“Phew- please take them down.”

Of course, there were many other things Woojin checked besides just Jinju. The current situation in Japan, ‘Leech’, and the rapidly increasing articles on ‘Beneficial Evil’.

And.

[All-time Box Office in South Korea]

[All-time Movie Rankings (Combined)]

-1. Island of the Missing / Total Audience: 19,395,119

Including ‘Island of the Missing’, which had officially surpassed 19 million viewers. Kang Woojin, lying on the sofa, applauded. Unfortunately, it seemed realistically difficult for ‘Island of the Missing’ to break the 20 million viewer mark. It was disappointing but understandable as its momentum had significantly slowed, and many new blockbuster movies were being released one after another.

Moreover.

“Ah- The number of theater screens is gradually decreasing.”

The number of screens in domestic cinemas is limited, and naturally, the number of screens showing ‘Island of the Missing’ also drastically decreased as its momentum slowed. A drop in audience numbers was a natural phenomenon.

“Well, it’s already a mega-hit anyway.”

‘Island of the Missing’ was beyond a massive hit. It might be that its record as the all-time number one would never be broken.

Anyway.

“Shall I take a shower?”

Yawning widely, Woojin was moving towards the bathroom when he paused, recalling his younger sister attending an event as the president of ‘Kang’s Heart’. Though he said he wouldn’t go, it seemed to still be on his mind.

“Ah, whatever, I’ll shower first.”

Past noon.

A fairly large children’s center near Jinju City Hall. Today, a significant event was scheduled at this children’s center. It was a charity event for underprivileged children in Jinju. Various groups and individuals with good intentions gathered to carry out the event, which involved following the program, having prepared meals and refreshments.

Of course, the main event was the photo session.

People took photos holding signs showing how much they donated or which organization donated how much. Those photos would naturally be published in articles under the name of Jinju City.

Thus.

“Thank you to everyone who participated in today’s event, and finally, we introduce the Mayor of Jinju who has joined us.”

The event was in full swing in the hall-like auditorium of the children’s center. There were over 30 people seated, and a large banner and staff of the children’s center gathered on the stage . The balding mayor of Jinju appeared on that stage.

“Ahem, ah- nice to meet you all. I am very touched that so many people have gathered for such a meaningful occasion.”

While the Mayor of Jinju was delivering his speech, a few staff members of the children’s center standing below the stage whispered softly.

“Was the mayor supposed to come today?”

“Yeah. He was always supposed to come, but I heard he was just going to show his face briefly and leave. Didn’t expect him to give a speech.”

“From what I heard, he’s staying longer because Kang Woojin might come.”

“Really? Isn’t it the Kang Woojin fan club that’s coming today, not Kang Woojin himself?”

“Maybe the report was incorrect.”

“Shh shh, they might hear us.”

After about 10 minutes, the mayor’s speech ended, and next was the photo session. The mayor, the staff of the children’s center, and the groups and individuals who donated came out in turn to take photos.

For the third turn.

“Next up – ‘Kang’s Heart’ members!”

A woman with a familiar face came up. It was Kang Woojin’s younger sister, Kang Hyun-ah. She attended as the representative of the official fan club ‘Kang’s Heart’ accompanied by a few members from the Jinju area. Kang Hyun-ah was dressed appropriately for the occasion, wearing light makeup and looking somewhat solemn.

“……”

Her face was fraught with tension. Naturally, this was her first time in such a setting. It was understandable that she was nervous, even with fellow fan club members present. A board was handed to Kang Hyun-ah, which was commonly seen at donation events.

-Donation for Underprivileged Children in Jinju

-Amount: 10 million won

-From: Actor Kang Woojin’s Fan Club ‘Kang’s Heart’

Among several people, Kang Hyun-ah stood in the center, holding the board and posing. A forced smile. The photo shoot was repeated about three times, and after it ended, the Mayor of Jinju, standing to her right, spoke to her in a gentle tone.

“You’re doing a truly admirable thing.”

“…Pardon? Ah- yes. Thank you.”

“Hehe, but that… Is Kang Woojin-ssi not coming? I thought there might be some contact since it’s the official fan club.”

The tense Kang Hyun-ah stiffly shook her head.

“I’m not sure exactly, but I believe he won’t be able to attend.”

At her answer, the Mayor of Jinju smiled faintly.

“Is that so? Well, he must be busy, it can’t be helped.”

Though he said this, the balding Mayor of Jinju’s eyes were full of disappointment. He wanted to at least exchange greetings if nothing else. Of course, it would be perfect if they could take a picture together. Naturally, this sense of disappointment was not unique to the Mayor of Jinju; the staff at the children’s center and various groups and individuals attending the event felt the same.

“So it seems Kang Woojin-ssi isn’t coming today after all.”

“Honestly, I had a little. Just a little bit of hope.”

“Well, it’s understandable. He came to his hometown to rest, not for activities, so this kind of event might be burdensome.”

“Still, the Mayor seems pretty disappointed.”

The photo session ended exactly 30 minutes later.

The remaining time was free. Participants could have meals or refreshments and chat among themselves. Of course, they could also leave if they wanted.

Looking at the crowd, about 80% of the attendees remained.

Among them, Kang Hyun-ah and several management members of ‘Kang’s Heart’ were seated near the entrance of the hall. They sat at a square table. Initially, they planned to leave immediately after the event, but decided to stay a bit longer because the Mayor of Jinju was there.

Kang Hyun-ah and the management members chatted while having snacks and coffee.

“Everyone seems to have been really looking forward to Woojin-nim’s arrival, judging by their reactions.”

“They must have been confused or misunderstood. We never said Woojin-nim would come, just that the fan club was attending.”

“By the way, doesn’t that man keep staring at us?”

“Ah- he’s the head of this children’s center’s official sponsors or something.”

Quite a few people were glancing at them while they conversed. The Mayor of Jinju, who was talking with several local dignitaries, was among them.

“It seems Kang Woojin-ssi won’t be coming after all.”

“Hmm- In the end, we won’t get to see his face even once.”

“Well, what can we do? It’s not like he was officially invited.”

Although full of disappointment, the Mayor of Jinju let out a long sigh and felt somewhat satisfied.

“Still, Jinju was mentioned a lot because Kang Woojin-ssi came to rest in his hometown. Be it in the press or public opinion. I guess we should be satisfied with that much.”

About 30 minutes passed by.

Kang Hyun-ah and the ‘Kang’s Heart’ members who had been at their seats left the hall. As she stepped into the hallway, she brushed her brown hair and greeted the management members. Her expression suggested she was somewhat relieved.

“Great job, everyone.”

“Ah, we just tagged along.”

It was then.

“Hey- that’s really too much.”

A man’s voice, accompanied by the scent of cigarettes, interrupted from the right. Turning around, Kang Hyun-ah saw a slightly chubby middle-aged man with a reddish complexion, who was watching her group. He was likely in his 60s? Kang Hyun-ah instinctively knew he was the CEO of the official sponsor of the children’s center. One of the management members had mentioned it.

Because of this, Kang Hyun-ah maintained her manners.

“Excuse me? What did you say?”

The sponsor company CEO frowned and said.

“With people like me, local dignitaries, and even the Mayor of Jinju here, does it make sense that Kang Woojin doesn’t show up? Is he that busy?”

“……But why are you speaking informally?”

The sponsor company CEO, expressionless, glanced towards the hall. He seemed to be mindful of the Mayor of Jinju and the dignitaries. Then he turned back to Kang Hyun-ah and lowered his voice slightly.

“You people are from Kang Woojin’s official fan club, right? Then you must be in contact with him. No matter how busy he is, how could he stand people up like this?”

“Why are you saying this to us?”

Kang Hyun-ah was starting to get annoyed.

“We’re just Kang Woojin-nim’s fan club. You should address these matters with his agency.”

“What?”

“And don’t speak informally to us.”

“Ha- really, this is ridiculous. I’m the official sponsor here.”

“So what?”

Indeed, he was the sponsor company CEO. For reference, he was from a small but well-established kimchi company in the area, which had been a sponsor for quite a long time.

“You young people, really- Anyway, tell that great Kang Woojin of yours. Everyone has been waiting for you, even the mayor of Jinju.”

The sponsor company CEO, with a hint of boastfulness and sarcasm, continued.

“And that supposedly amazing Kang Woojin fan club donated just 10 million won. We donate 30 to 50 million won every year. If I stop donating, this place wouldn’t function.”

“Oh, really.”

Kang Hyun-ah was on the verge of exploding. It was the members of ‘Kang’s Heart’ who held her back. It was indeed true that fighting with local dignitaries here wouldn’t do any good. It felt like avoiding dung because it’s dirty. Soon, as if trying to wrap up, the sponsor company CEO muttered to Kang Hyun-ah.

“Make sure to tell that Kang Woojin. Next year, do more than just a measly 10 million.”

Just as Kang Hyun-ah was biting her lower lip.

“You can tell directly.”

A low male voice penetrated from behind. At this, Kang Hyun-ah, the members, and the sponsor company CEO all turned their heads simultaneously. Approaching them was a black-haired man in a white shirt with rolled-up sleeves, without a jacket, with full of indifference.

-Thump thump.

The man, who soon approached, looked down at the sponsor company CEO and spoke coldly.

“To me.”

The sponsor company CEO, whose eyes had widened, looked up at the man and stammered unknowingly.

“Uh- Ka-Kang Woojin?”

The man who had appeared abruptly was indeed Kang Woojin. In contrast, the calm yet cold Woojin looked at the sponsor company CEO without emotion and repeated the same words.

“Tell me, to my face.”

“……Ah, no.”

“Go on.”

The sponsor company CEO was suppressed by Kang Woojin’s calm pressure.

‘This guy, what’s with this aura.’

Kang Hyun-ah and the members of ‘Kang’s Heart’ were also startled. Kang Hyun-ah was particularly shocked, covering her mouth with both hands. However, Woojin’s gaze remained fixed on the sponsor company CEO.

“100 million.”

“Wh-what?”

“On top of the 10 million, I’ll donate an additional 100 million. Then it won’t be ‘just’.”

“……”

“And you were saying something about being the official sponsor of the children’s center.”

Woojin’s voice lowered even further.

“You also said that if you stop sponsoring, this children’s center won’t function. How much was it per year?”

The answer came from Kang Hyun-ah, who was standing beside him.

“30 to 50 million won.”

Kang Woojin’s gaze shifted back to the sponsor company CEO.

“Ah- just that much.”

“H-hey.”

“Stop being the official sponsor.”

The sponsor company CEO tried to say something to the indifferent Woojin, but he couldn’t. Woojin had already pulled out his phone and put it to his ear. The call was to Choi Sung-gun, who picked up quickly.

Woojin’s low voice resonated.

“CEO~nim, I’m currently at the underprivileged children’s center in Jinju. I’d like our bw Entertainment to become the official sponsor starting today. I’m thinking of donating about 100 million won annually.”

On the other end of the phone, Choi Sung-gun didn’t even ask for a reason and answered without a moment’s hesitation.

“Sure, let’s do that.”

*****

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